In the history of the world, certain flowers have been cultivated and appreciated for their sheer enjoyment rather than for any special purpose. A few noteworthy kinds with an extensive background are the chrysanthemum, rose, violet, carnation, narcissus, tulip, and iris. Chrysanthemum: An Ancient Flower With some plants, the cultivated species are so ancient that … Read more
So many lilies have been developed in the past few years that an estimate of their worth seems opportune. Although my present concern is with certain newer ones, it does not follow that those left out, either new or old, are discredited. On the contrary, by pointing out the virtues of some of the more … Read more
The greatest advance has occurred in developing new and different tulip bulbs. A most brilliant contribution has been the increasingly popular species tulips, which bloom early in the spring and have unusual colors. New Hybrids Of Tulipa Kaufmanniana New hybrids of Tulipa kaufmanniana are excellent for the rock garden or the front of a border. … Read more
It’s truly a sight to behold when that aristocrat of bulbs, the amaryllis, produces its regal bloom in time to celebrate the festive Christmas season. You can grow Christmas-blooming Dutch amaryllis bulbs right in your own living room. Van Meeuwen’s Superiors amaryllis gives you a choice of pure white, deep red, salmon, orange, and striped … Read more
Tazettas, Rugulosus, Butter and Eggs, Pheasant’s Eye, Hoop Petticoat, and little Sweet Jonquil (Narcissus jonquilla simplex) grow in all old southern gardens along with Snowflakes. These I have always known and loved. Indeed, just as one carries a bloom of Michelia fuscata in the pocket or the hand and places small bundles of Vetiveria or … Read more
One of the most valuable features of garden lilies is their ability to give a continuous sequence of bloom from late May or early June until autumn frosts. With a careful selection of varieties, almost any gardener can enjoy the distinction of lily blooms for fully live months of the growing season. The world of … Read more
During the fall and winter of 1947-48, the distinguished explorer, Dr. Joseph F. Rock, sent us from southwestern Yunnan bulbs and seeds of various lilies he had collected. Some of these bulbs were sent to England to prevent losses, and a few were given to Mrs. J. Norman Henry of Philadelphia. The balance was planted … Read more
I have had great success with a bulbous plant that flowers in August and should be better known and more widely planted in our home gardens. Lycoris Squamigera It is Lycoris squamigera (Amaryllis halli), sometimes called mystery lily. Originally, I planted 15 large bulbs. From them, the clump grew until, in the fourth year, it … Read more
“That was the nicest Christmas present you could have given us,” our next-door neighbor said six weeks after December 25. “Our hyacinth is open now, and it is exquisite! We’ve had hyacinths given us already blooming before, but we’ve never had such fun as watching this one grow!” Other telephone calls followed in the next … Read more
In our enthusiasm for “something new,” for the “rare and unusual,” for “an improvement through hybridizing,” there seems to be a tendency to overlook some of the old-time garden favorites which might well be rated intrinsically 100%. Of all the hardy herbaceous perennials, Dictamnus and Platycodon, time-tested through many human generations, could be unhesitatingly recommended … Read more